Beware of telephone scams

Residents warned against scam telephone call about wills

September 19, 2009

MARTINSBURG - As Berkeley County's fiduciary supervisor, Maria Childers is used to dealing with wills, but she knows not everyone is as comfortable with having to consider those kind of end-of-life details.

That's why Childers was especially upset to hear that at least one county resident recently received an unrequested telephone call asking whether or not he had a will, one that may have been a scam, she said. The resident got the call on Monday, she said.

"When the resident replied that he did, the caller then stated she wanted to visit his home to update his will because if he didn't, 'Berkeley County would get all of your property,'" Childers said.

"Fortunately our resident informed the called that he did not want solicitors and he then hung up. Although we do not know the identity of the caller, we want to remind citizens that no reputable professional would use this manner of contact and intimidation," she said.

Childers said the caller was not factual, because if a will exists, it determines how assets are distributed.

Conversely, when there is no will, the West Virginia Intestate Succession Law governs how assets are distributed, she said.

While this is the only call of this type that she is aware of, Childers and other county officials worry about others who might fall victim, she said.

"We only know of this one person, but it is enough of a concern that we're trying to be proactive and let people know. Of course, we're primarily concerned about those vulnerable or elderly citizens who may find themselves receptive to what the caller has to say and then become tempted to cooperate," she said.

"But we also want to alert all citizens to be aware of such phone calls and not to provide any information whatsoever. Just hang up," Childers said.

She also advised citizens to contact law enforcement upon receiving this type of telephone call.

"Any caller who resorts to these tactics in an effort to gain information about you or access to your home should always be considered a threat," she said.

Berkeley County Sheriff Kenny Lemaster, who said he hadn't heard of any other calls like this, agreed that residents should be alert to this possibility.

"It's always good to get the word out," Lemaster said.

If you receive any suspicious phone calls regarding wills, call the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department at (304) 267-7000.